What happens when you need to be on your feet outdoors in challenging terrain with body armor and it's cold and snowy out? You put away the pilgrims and you reach for the Griffons! I think these were called something else back in 2013 when I got my first pair. They're stiff enough to give you sure footing in the Rocky Mountains, and warm enough to keep your feet comfortable too. My original pair wasn't as stiff and didn't have the full rubber rand. My second pair did and it just made the boot even better. I wear these when I'm going into challenging winter terrain but the situation doesn't require a full on mountaineering boot or crampons. I'm onto my third pair now because I have friends with sticky fingers! I absolutely love these boots. I have worn them in the mountains, in military service, and now in law enforcement in a small mountain town in the Rockies. I have never managed to damage these boots, they have never left me with cold feet, and the support they offer in challenging terrain is fantastic. The real beauty is that this comes in an incredibly lightweight package. They are lighter than all other boots in this category and they fit great due to the last Aku uses. When it's cold outside, the Griffons are always there for me.

I've been wearing the NS-564 since 2012 when the NS-564 and the Spider were two different models and you had to know the right people to get either one of them. I have worn them in every environment except the jungle and in a wide variety of activities from light summer mountaineering to intense tactical training, construction (don't tell OSHA!), and as a daily driver. These boots have never, ever let me down. They are always supportive and frankly the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn, period. It might sound hyperbolic but it's true, I can't imagine life without a pair of these on my feet. This sentiment is shared by everyone I have ever known who has a pair. It's a drug, we're addicted, and we will never stop!

To be very serious though, these boots are shockingly good and the cult-like following they have is for darn good reasons. I would also like to share that they are incredibly durable. I threw away my first pair after 8 years because I had literally worn the soles off of them. The second pair I had, I destroyed after doing roofing and solar installation work for a year after wearing them as a daily driver for 6 years. Most boots only last 6 months in that environment (asphalt shingles are literally sandpaper). I still have the other two pair I bought years ago and they're still going strong despite the abnormal amounts of abuse I put them through. You can't go wrong with them. As long as Aku keeps making these, I will always have two pair in my inventory!

These boots are honestly great for every season. They’re highly breathable, and my feet stay dry much longer than with a Goretex boot.

The fit is comfortable and precise. The heel cup is great, and this boot handles going down steep slopes very well.

Absolutely love these Boots as always! such a great product! very comfortable and crazy water proof!

I have a pretty wide range of boots/hiking shoes and these have become my all time favourite light hiking shoe. Durable, great support and nice and light...Perfect for any day hike and more...I took them on a 3 day trip and never once put my heavy hiking boots on. Great all around and once you get them on, you will see how tough it is to go without them.

I received these boots about a month ago, I was diagnosed with beginning stages of plantar fasciitis, so before it started getting worse I went to the podiatrist and during the course of x-rays and measurements, along with the two most painful shots I have taken in my life I caught it early enough and only require orthopedic insoles that are commonly made and not custom made.
I installed my required insoles in these boots and first night pulled 14 hours my feet did not ache, they were very comfortable the entire shift. The second night pulled 12 hours plus a foot pursuit through a field still containing residual surface water still standing soaked my feet and wet my slacks from the knee down from the water splashing.
I can say about these boots are they fit like a good quality tennis shoe, they are super comfortable, they fit like a glove on your feet.
Now one thing I would recommend, AKU if possible a small but not performance affecting water-resistant / water-proofing membrane would be superb and a game changer for these boots.

I spend a lot of time in the field doing bird photography, so I bought two pairs of these boots and rotate between them. IMO, these are the best of the best. There's nothing like a leather-lined boot, because the boot will conform a bit to your foot. Boots lined with a synthetic mesh will not stretch at all, if they don't fit you in the store they never will.

Minima - Women's

great everyday outdoor shoes as a climbing arborist.

I have received more compliments on these boots than any other brand I've worn. Beyond that, I love the comfort and style. At first glance out of the box, you can tell these boots are well made and will last a full career, if taken care of. I have narrow feet and high arches, but these cushion my feet well. I ordered the same size as my other boots. My feet aren't aching at the end of a long day standing on concrete or hiking the back country on a Search and Rescue. I plan on wearing these year-round - summer and winter months in the Mountain west. Would highly recommend ACU to anyone that hasn't tried their boots. I'd rank them right along Crispi's and Kenetrek's.

I have a narrow heel, high arch and long first toe. Getting boots that fit well has been a challenge. Hiking in Shenandoah, with damp, rocky ridges, requires really grippy soles. These boots check all those boxes. This is my third pair in 2 years. The first pair, 500-600 miles, are great but the kevlar at the sides wore out so they leak. Pair 2, 400 to 500 miles, are good but vibrant soles are no longer as grippy, ergo pair 3!

Had been kicking around town in these before taking them out for some serious hiking. Man were they just as comfortable on town as on the trail. Took them on a 5 day thru hike of the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland and they were great the entire way. As a boot snob, rarely will I not have at least one minor negative thing to say about a boot. However, these withstood all my normal tests—great temperature regulation, no heel slippage on steep ascents, minimal foot fatigue walking on numerous rocky sections, and no issues with the GTX waterproofing. These have become my go to hikers! Great design work AKU!

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I bought two pairs on discount rate love the deal. This is my fifth pair of AKUs and I'm sold on the quality and comfort. The hybrid souls tend to wear out a little too quick for me however, they're awesome when they're new.. I love the full-blown hikers and will continue to purchase direct from their website.

Havent been able to go hikking in them, i live in Costa Rica and just picked my boots a week ago. They llok and fit great. Quality feels top notch. Im a 12 in Basketball shoes, 12.5 in running shoes and 11 in Redwing Iron Rangers. Ordered a 12 and I think they fit fine.